Harley Pan American coming 2/21/2021

[tntmo]

I got my test ride done yesterday. We even had a "dirt" section which was just a gravel parking lot. The bike is pretty impressive considering it's the first attempt from HD, I think a lot of people will be surprised. Definitely worth a test ride if you can get it.

 

[Kyle_E]

A very detailed walkthrough of the screen modes/customization. Battery change, accessories etc. Really shocked by how impressed with this bike I am. 3 months ago I would have laughed out loud at the thought of me riding a harley. Now its a contender if they ever build this into something with a belt or shaft.

 

[Madhatter]

not sure a chain would be a deal breaker for me , maybe not my first choice as shaft is easy maintenance . but chain drive has some benefits , no shaft jacking ( rarely an issue on the Tenere ) can alter gearing , less unsprung weight on the rear of the bike . just an added maintenance item . if we were talking sport bikes the chain would be a non issue.
have been thinking of a third bike , something in the middle , dual sport type , and they all have chains . tube type tires worry me more than chains.

 

[scott123007]

I just don't understand the hysteria over modern day chain drive. Thousands of miles between adjustments, which take 10 minutes max, and 30 seconds or so of lube every few hundred miles, and you're good to go. If anything, I would think the PITA valve adjustment on the S-10, which is no longer necessary on the Pan America, would override any issue with chain vs shaft. JMHO

 

[tntmo]

I just don't understand the hysteria over modern day chain drive. Thousands of miles between adjustments, which take 10 minutes max, and 30 seconds or so of lube every few hundred miles, and you're good to go. If anything, I would think the PITA valve adjustment on the S-10, which is no longer necessary on the Pan America, would override any issue with chain vs shaft. JMHO

I didn't even concern myself with the chain drive, although a few of my BMW indoctrinated friends made a big deal out of it. Yes, the shaft drive is a nice convenience on our bikes but it's not maintenance free. With some basic maintenance a chain and sprockets can last a long time, 30k miles or more.

 

[Longdog Cymru]

I think you forget the Ulysses - Buell's take on an Adventure bike.View attachment 60865

I had a Buell Ulysses. I loved it! It was an amazing bike and I should never have sold it.

 

[HeliMark]

I just don't understand the hysteria over modern day chain drive. Thousands of miles between adjustments, which take 10 minutes max, and 30 seconds or so of lube every few hundred miles, and you're good to go. If anything, I would think the PITA valve adjustment on the S-10, which is no longer necessary on the Pan America, would override any issue with chain vs shaft. JMHO

Agree with the chain, I currently have a Triumph Tiger 900, with 14K miles on it. I have adjusted the chain once, a very minor one at that. Clean it every 500-600 miles(ish), and hit it with lube when I roll the bike into the garage after a ride (max 5 minutes of time).

 

[regder]

I just don't understand the hysteria over modern day chain drive. Thousands of miles between adjustments, which take 10 minutes max, and 30 seconds or so of lube every few hundred miles, and you're good to go. If anything, I would think the PITA valve adjustment on the S-10, which is no longer necessary on the Pan America, would override any issue with chain vs shaft. JMHO

I don't think it's hysteria, more that shaft drive is way more convenient. Not a deal breaker for me, but I certainly appreciate the S10 shaft drive.

That one minute to lube it is a real PITA when you're dead tired after riding all day and have another long day or more coming up. It is a nice luxury not having to worry about lubing up the chain and was one of the main features that steered me to the S10

 

[Sierra1]

When did H-D stop using a belt? And, why?

 

[WJBertrand]

When did H-D stop using a belt? And, why?

They haven't stopped using belts. I think the Pan America is the only model they sell without a belt final drive. I think belt drives can be more easily damaged if a rock gets caught between the belt and the pulley than a chain. Also consider that the PA is probably (not sure?) the most powerful Harley made.

 

[Sierra1]

They haven't stopped using belts. I think the Pan America is the only model they sell without a belt final drive. I think belt drives can be more easily damaged if a rock gets caught between the belt and the pulley than a chain. Also consider that the PA is probably (not sure?) the most powerful Harley made.

I've always wondered if the power output was why they were the only ones using belts. 'Cuz, belts would be great; quiet, light, and no lube.

 

[Xclimation]

Went by the local Harley dealership a couple of hours ago to sit on and look at the Pan American. They had one on the showroom. It was pouring rain outside and the showroom bike did not look like it was being used for test rides....And even if it was...Too much trouble and time for them to take it off the stand it was on, then wheel it outdoors. They said they had 2 more that had already sold.
In person, the bike is smaller than I thought. I don't mean this in a bad way. Just physically smaller that the pictures make it look. Definitely lower to the ground than the Tenere. The bike I sat on did not have the adaptive ride height. The seat is the most comfortable stock seat for me by far out of all the adventure bikes. The things I did not like and/or would be concerned about: Yes...the location of the rectifier/regulator and battery!?! Right in the path of water and dirt from the front tire. On the bottom of the bike? And adventure/dual sport bike? It won't take (that) deep of water to short the battery and rectifier? Even being doused from front tire spray in the rain? Every bike I've owned, the rectifier gets hot. I can imagine a high temperature being rapidly cooled submersed going through a puddle or water crossing. Can someone explain this?
Also felt the trail needs more distance. Looks like front tire is too close to the skid plate and potentially come in contact in the same way the extenda-a-fender comes in contact with some skid plates on the Tenere. Another potential issue is the size and how low to the ground the radiator is located. Again...the lower part of the radiator will be submersed in water crossing and a hot radiator being rapidly cooled being partially submersed during a water crossing.....
I thought the dash looked nice the angle is adjustable and the screen has some type of anti glare. The numbers were tiny but my over 50 progressive lens eyes were able to see them. It will take a little longer scanning with eyes off the road to see info. on screen. I worry when it comes to these distracting things taking my eyes off the road for the split second...then an animal runs across the road...someone stops short in front of me....pothole...etc.
On the drama side of things....man, were the salespeople eager to sit me down with the 4 square technique and why they wanted to make a copy of my driver's license when I didn't authorize any credit check? I don't get why these sale tactics which are so off-putting are still being used? Such an insult to the intelligence.....when I told them I'll consider it when the bike has a couple of years of proving itself; I was next told about the 2 year warranty....I couldn't help my mouth by replying that a warranty does me no good when I miss a road trip or any type of ride while by bike is in the shop for a design flaw that I could've waited to be worked out. Also, pointed out that I needed to wait and see how that low battery and rectifier design was going to play out.

 

[PhilPhilippines]

....I couldn't help my mouth by replying that a warranty does me no good when I miss a road trip or any type of ride while by bike is in the shop for a design flaw that I could've waited to be worked out. Also, pointed out that I needed to wait and see how that low battery and rectifier design was going to play out.

I think that is reasonable. If they are good at their job they will give feedback to HD about what potential customers are saying. I've always valued honest feedback from customers.

 

[Kyle_E]

I just don't understand the hysteria over modern day chain drive. Thousands of miles between adjustments, which take 10 minutes max, and 30 seconds or so of lube every few hundred miles, and you're good to go. If anything, I would think the PITA valve adjustment on the S-10, which is no longer necessary on the Pan America, would override any issue with chain vs shaft. JMHO

I ride 25,000 miles a year. That "only every few hundred miles" equates to luding and checking slack every 3 days. Adjustment is infrequent, but still a thing. Valves is a one day a year job Ill trade that for an hour a week working on the chain.

I am well aware I am outside the norm for motorcycle use. If I were the typical 100 miles max a week rider, it wouldn't matter in the slightest! But at my typical 70 miles a day, no thanks.

 

[SilverBullet]

I ride 25,000 miles a year. That "only every few hundred miles" equates to luding and checking slack every 3 days. Adjustment is infrequent, but still a thing. Valves is a one day a year job Ill trade that for an hour a week working on the chain.

I am well aware I am outside the norm for motorcycle use. If I were the typical 100 miles max a week rider, it wouldn't matter in the slightest! But at my typical 70 miles a day, no thanks.

+1
I was averaging 35k miles a year. That is more than one chain and sprocket set anually. Quality set is what $225-$300 a year? Stretch your use more than 25-30k a year and you're asking for trouble and possible collateral damage when it goes out. Chains are dirtier, noisier and more vibrations. Tire changes take a little longer also.

 

[Madhatter]

good morning all .... no bike is perfect not even our beloved super Tenere ..... more power V more hassles , unknown reliability but a great warranty , better safety features as in modern up to date ABS and traction control . its not a Beemer , but its not a Yamaha . I think its a good bike ,wether its a great bike is to be seen . most on this forum are biased to the subject of this forum , and nothing wrong with that . Harley guys love their Harleys no matter what has falling off their bikes , and we love ours. occasionally some one here jumps ship , wonder who it will be .

 

[PhilPhilippines]

good morning all .... no bike is perfect not even our beloved super Tenere ..... more power V more hassles , unknown reliability but a great warranty , better safety features as in modern up to date ABS and traction control . its not a Beemer , but its not a Yamaha . I think its a good bike ,wether its a great bike is to be seen . most on this forum are biased to the subject of this forum , and nothing wrong with that . Harley guys love their Harleys no matter what has falling off their bikes , and we love ours. occasionally some one here jumps ship , wonder who it will be .

Very true. I ride a Husky Terra at the moment. It has some great qualities and some issues. If it did not have the issues I would not have gone to the GS site. If the GS site had not indicated issues then I would not be here. We all have requirements. Some are met.

 

[Checkswrecks]

I ride 25,000 miles a year. That "only every few hundred miles" equates to luding and checking slack every 3 days. Adjustment is infrequent, but still a thing. Valves is a one day a year job Ill trade that for an hour a week working on the chain.

I am well aware I am outside the norm for motorcycle use. If I were the typical 100 miles max a week rider, it wouldn't matter in the slightest! But at my typical 70 miles a day, no thanks.

That would've been me before retiring and also applies to the my lack of ANY desire to attend to a chain on a trip.

 

[Checkswrecks]

good morning all .... no bike is perfect not even our beloved super Tenere ..... more power V more hassles , unknown reliability but a great warranty , better safety features as in modern up to date ABS and traction control . its not a Beemer , but its not a Yamaha . I think its a good bike ,wether its a great bike is to be seen . most on this forum are biased to the subject of this forum , and nothing wrong with that . Harley guys love their Harleys no matter what has falling off their bikes , and we love ours. occasionally some one here jumps ship , wonder who it will be .

Well put!

 

[tntmo]

Harley guys love their Harleys no matter what has falling off their bikes , and we love ours.

Lots of people just become brand loyal and blind to the faults of the bikes they like. I'd say that my BMW indoctrinated friends are worse than the Harley guys I know! I had a buddy with a Honda obsession, even when they left him stranded he was defending them.

I know that I won't be keeping the Super Tenere forever. I'm about a 5-6 year owner usually, my last couple bikes I kept until they crossed over 100k miles. By the time my Tenere gets there I may not even be into the ADV bikes anymore, been really considering a sport touring bike again but if I stick around the HD will be considered. Every other bike in my garage has a chain and sprockets (I guess not the scooters?) and my life still goes on.